The Fig Pruning Technique

The University of California (UC) Master Gardeners and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) provide several resources on pruning and shaping figs, emphasizing that the method depends largely on the variety you are growing.

UC Master Gardener Resources

 * UC Marin Master Gardeners: They distinguish between "Black" figs (like Mission) and "White/Brown" figs (like Kadota or Thompson).

   * White & Brown Figs: Require heavy pruning because they produce fruit on new growth. UC recommends almost completely removing the wood from the previous season each winter to promote vigorous new growth.

   * Black Figs: Require only light pruning. They typically bear on older wood (spurs), so heavy pruning can actually reduce your yield.

 * UC IPM (Integrated Pest Management): Their guide on pruning figs notes that while figs are tolerant of various pruning levels, the goal for mature trees is to remove interfering or broken branches and keep the top open to allow sunlight to reach the interior.

YouTube Videos

While many general gardening channels cover this, several Master Gardener programs have specific demonstrations:

 * Fig Tree Pruning with OSU Master Gardeners: This video features Master Gardeners demonstrating how to thin out branches to reduce shade, as sunlight penetration is critical for fruit quality and next year's growth.

 * Pruning Trees and Ornamentals: A UC Master Gardener Webinar: This full-length webinar by a UC Master Gardener volunteer covers the principles of pruning for productivity and health across various fruit trees, including figs.

Key Techniques for Maximizing Production

To maximize fruit, UC experts suggest focusing on these three techniques:

 * The "Open Center" Shape: Similar to many stone fruits, shaping the tree like a vase or bowl allows sunlight to reach the center of the canopy, which is essential for fruit ripening and quality.

 * Pinching Shoots: For varieties that produce on new wood, "pinching out" the tips of new shoots once they have 5 or 6 leaves can redirect the tree's energy from growing more leaves into developing fruit.

 * Manage the Breba Crop: Some figs produce an early "breba" crop on last year's wood. If you want this crop, avoid heavy winter pruning and instead prune immediately after the main crop is harvested in late summer or fall.

   

   YouTube video views will be stored in your YouTube History, and your data will be stored and used by YouTube according to its Terms of Service